Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making a tissue regeneration matrix. The process comprises providing a collagen-tropoelastin dispersion; freeze-drying the dispersion to provide a porous freeze-dried matrix; and then crosslinking the porous freeze-dried matrix. The present invention is also directed to a tissue regeneration matrix prepared by the process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making a tissue regeneration matrix. The process comprises providing a collagen-glycosaminoglycan-tropoelastin dispersion; freeze-drying the dispersion to provide a porous freeze-dried matrix; and then crosslinking the porous freeze-dried matrix. The present invention is also directed to a tissue regeneration matrix prepared by the process.

Abstract: An improved neurosurgical sponge contains less than 0.45 EU/cm3 of bacterial endotoxins. A neurosurgical kit includes a plurality of sponges in a container, wherein the plurality of sponges contains less than 2.15 EU. Methods of producing the surgical sponge and using the surgical sponge in a surgical method are described. Rayon containing less than 0.45 EU of bacterial endotoxins per cm3 of rayon is also described.

Abstract: A method for treating pulmonary hypertension and other diseases involving a defect in collagen metabolism, by administration of an effective amount of a liposome encapsulated copolymer conjugate antifibrotic composition, is disclosed. The antifibrotic agent is preferably proline analogs, such as cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline (CHOP), 3,4-dehydro-DL-proline (DHP), (R)-(−)-2-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (THP), and (S)-(−)-2-azetidinecarboxylic acid (ACA). Consistent, high loadings (>90%) of the antifibrotic agent are achieved by first forming a dipeptide with L-lysine, after which the dipeptide is copolymerized with the polymer component to form the copolymer conjugate. The polymer is preferably poly(ethylene glycol) having a weight average molecular weight of from about 500 to about 15,000. Efficient delivery and consistent release of the antifibrotic agent inhibits collagen accumulation and treats the diseases involved.

Abstract: Methods for producing open-pore polymeric matrices prepared via gas induced phase inversion are provided. Matrices produced by these methods for various uses including medical implant devices, filtration/separation aids, and porous supports are also provided.

Abstract: A method for treating pulmonary hypertension and other diseases involving a defect in collagen metabolism, by administration of an effective amount of a liposome encapsulated copolymer conjugate antifibrotic composition, is disclosed. The antifibrotic agent is preferably a proline analog, such as cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline (cHyp). Consistent, high loadings (>98%) of the antifibrotic agent are achieved by first forming a dipeptide with L-lysine, after which the dipeptide is copolymerized with the polymer component to form the copolymer conjugate. The polymer is preferably poly(ethylene glycol) having a weight average molecular weight of from about 500 to about 15,000. There is thus provided the efficient delivery and rateable release of the antifibrotic agent to inhibit collagen accumulation and thereby treat the diseases involved.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed for biphasic polymerization processes in which an aqueous solution of a first monomer that is hydrolytically unstable below a pH of about six or above a pH of about eight is admixed with a water-immiscible organic solvent and there is added to the admixture a catalyst selected from tertiary amine, quaternary amine and phosphonium catalysts, an acid-forming co-monomer for the first monomer, an acid scavenger, after which the resulting polymer is recovered, wherein the improvement includes providing the aqueous solution at a pH between about si and about eight, and adding to the admixture the acid-forming co-monomer and the acid scavenger at relative rates effective to maintain the pH of the admixture between about six and about eight. The catalyst may be added in a molar ratio to the first monomer effective to provide a predetermined weight-average or number-average molecular weight for the resulting polymer.

Abstract: A polymer with a hydrolytically labile backbone and having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.9 is an alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group with up to 18 carbon atoms having a pendent carboxylic acid group or the benzyl ester thereof;R.sub.12 is an alkyl, aryl or alkylaryl group with up to 18 carbon atoms having a pendent carboxylic acid ester group selected from straight and branched alkyl and alkylaryl esters containing up to 18 carbon atoms and ester derivatives of biologically and pharmaceutically active compounds covalently bonded thereto, provided that the ester group is not a benzyl group or a group that is removed by hydrogenolysis;each R.sub.7 is independently an alkylene group containing up to four carbon atoms;A is selected from: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.8 is selected from saturated and unsaturated, substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, aryl and alkylaryl groups containing up to 18 carbon atoms;k is between about 5 and about 3,000; andx and f independently range from zero to less that one.

Abstract: High molecular weight, biodegradable polymers of substituted-poly(.beta.-propioesters), wherein the repeat unit sequences have a predominantly syndiotactic arrangement and a method of forming such polymers are disclosed. The method includes exposing a substituted-.beta.-propiolactone to a tin-based organometallic catalyst for a sufficient combination of time and temperature to form the predominantly syndiotactic substituted-poly(.beta.-propioester).